How to pronounce contrite
Say it like kun-TRYTE. Contrite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRYTE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contrite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TRYTE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contrite pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TRYTESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of contrite
American and British speakers say contrite in essentially the same way: /kənˈtraɪt/ in the US and /kənˈtraɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TRYTE.
What does contrite mean?
- Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions.
- A contrite person; a penitent.
Where does contrite come from?
From Middle English contrit, from Old French contrit, from Latin contrītus (literally “ground to pieces”), perfect passive participle of conterō (“grind, bruise”), from con- + terō (“rub, wear away”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with contrite
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contrite.
Questions about saying contrite
How do you pronounce contrite?
Say kun-TRYTE. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtraɪt/. In British English it is /kənˈtraɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contrite?
Contrite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TRYTE). Broken into parts: kun · TRYTE.
Do Americans and Brits say contrite the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtraɪt/ and the British form is /kənˈtraɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.